10 Japanese words that don’t have English Equivalents
Languages are a reflection of the culture they originate from. By studying a foreign language we are able to glimpse into the way of thinking and priorities of the people in a way unavailable to us when only using English. In this blog, I want to introduce 10 Japanese words that don’t have English Equivalents.
１．建前 — Tatemae・２．本音 — Honne
Tatemae and Honne are essential parts of the social interactions that occur in Japan. Eastern societies are often built around an emphasis of putting the group and social harmony above the needs or wants of the individual. Due to this at times, ones behaviors and actions in public will be contrary to their true feelings. Tatemae, literally built in front or facade, represents the societal expectations and requirements placed on a person. While Honne, literally true sound, represents ones true feelings that are often only shared within a tight circle of trust.
３．積ん読 — Tsundoku
I love this word for two reasons: primarily because I am one of its worst offenders and secondarily because it includes a pun built into it. Tsundoku is the act of buying books and leaving them unread. Tsunde-Oku, the target of the pun, means to accumulate or pile up and leave something. Similarly, the imagery drawn from the Kanji is piles of books that perhaps one day will be picked up to be read by their owner.
４．森林浴 — Shinrinyoku
We have all heard of sun bathing but “forest bathing”, the literal translation for this word, is probably a bit more novel. It means a rejuvenating walk through a forest, taking in the nature around you in an act of mediation or therapy. One of the many ways, you can see the Japanese appreciation for nature.
５．木枯らし — Kogarashi
Another nature focused word. Kogarashi, literally “leaf wilting wind” is a cold wintry wind. It is said to the marker for the true start of the winter season. As such, Japan’s Meteorological Agency maintains a record of the first Kogarashi every year.
６．食い倒れ — Kuidaore
Kuidore represents another facet of life loved by the Japanese, Food. The definition is bringing ruin upon oneself by extravagant, overindulging food or drink purchases. It is commonly said to be a tendency of the people of Osaka, which is known for its delicious food. I, personally, couldn’t think of a better way to go bankrupt.
７．居留守 — Irusu
Irusu is the act of pretending not to be home. I’m sure all of us are guilty of doing this at least once or twice.
８．金継ぎ — Kintsugi
This word is kind of cheating to say it doesn’t have an English equivalent because it is a style of Japanese Art, but it’s too cool to not be included. It is the practice of repairing pottery with visible golden or silver lacquer in order to draw attention to it instead of hiding the imperfection. Doubling as a reminder, that our imperfections and mistakes shouldn’t be something to be ashamed of and instead help make us who we are.
９．猫舌 — Nekojita
An aversion to hot foods. The characters translate literally to mean Cat Tongue. Apparently according to The Japanese, cats dislike hot food or drinks which is where the meaning of this word comes from. There are a few other phrases or words dealing with cats in Japanese. Another being Neko-ze, or literally Cat’s back, meaning Hunchback.
１０．Onomatopoeia
Japanese is second only to Korean as the language with the most Onomatopoeia. This great abundance of words can be split into 5 categories: animal and human sounds, sounds from inanimate objects and nature, those which describe conditions or states, those which describe movements and motions, and finally those which describe feelings. They often come in the form of repeating sounds and are considered a normal aspect of speech contrary to the more immature tone they possess in the English language.
A few examples of some Onomatopoeia dealing with Sleep are listed below.
ぐうぐう寝る -Guuguu Neru- to snore while fast asleep
すやすや寝る -Suyasuya Neru- to sleep soundly and peacefully
うとうと寝る -Utouto Neru- to nod off, to start to fall asleep
すうすう寝る -Suusuu Neru- to sleep with even breathing
ぐっすり寝る -Gussuri Neru- to be fast asleep
